Gov. Nixon in Kansas City on Thursday to Highlight 100 Missouri Miles Challenge

Gov. Jay Nixon will be at Jacob L. Loose Memorial Park in Kansas City on Thursday (June 6) to encourage area residents to become part of the 100 Missouri Miles Challenge. The initiative, launched on June 1, encourages Missourians to join the Governor and First Lady Georganne Nixon in completing “100 Missouri Miles” of physical activity by the end of the year by walking, running, biking, rolling, paddling or hiking throughout the state, including Missouri’s State Parks.

The Governor, who will hike in the park on Thursday, will be joined at the Garden Center by local city and parks officials, and by area fitness and outdoors enthusiasts. Gov. Nixon will hold a 1:45 p.m. news conference before he hikes.

Missouri was recently named the “Best Trails State” by American Trails, a national, nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting our nation’s hiking, biking and riding trails. The national award is presented every two years to the state with the most innovative and successful trail sharing efforts, programs, and systems.

“From backcountry hiking trails to urban bike paths, Missouri’s award-winning trails offer healthy outdoor activities for Missourians of all ages and interests,” Gov. Nixon said. “The First Lady and I invite all Missourians to join us on the 100 Missouri Miles Challenge as we promote Missouri’s outdoor heritage, improve our health, and have fun with family and friends.”

Missouri offers nearly 1,000 miles of trails managed by Missouri State Parks, more than 500 miles of National Recreation Trails designated by the U.S. Department of Interior, and thousands of trail miles maintained by municipalities, local park districts, schools, colleges, churches, private entities, not for profit groups, and other local groups throughout the state.

Thursday, June 6

WHO: Gov. Jay Nixon

WHAT: Highlight new initiative to encourage physical activity and promote the outdoors